The Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs is a distinguished professional school at Yale University, dedicated to nurturing a new generation of globally-minded leaders. Its core mission is to address today’s most urgent and complex global challenges through informed, evidence-based policy solutions. The school is grounded in interdisciplinary research and training, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, ethical leadership, and practical engagement.

Central to this mission is the International Leadership Center (ILC), a hub for leadership development that bridges academic knowledge with real-world impact. Through programs such as fellowships, leadership training, and global collaborations, the ILC cultivates leaders who can operate in diverse, high-stakes environments.

With its global orientation and commitment to inclusive leadership, the Jackson School brings together individuals from a wide range of sectors including diplomacy, civil society, governance, and social innovation. It focuses on equipping them with tools to navigate uncertainty, manage crises, and contribute meaningfully to global peace, security, and development. Whether through academic offerings or leadership fellowships, the institution remains committed to preparing professionals to influence policy and drive systemic change, particularly in areas affected by conflict, polarization, and social fragmentation.

The Yale Peace Fellowship, organized by the International Leadership Center at Yale University, is a transformative program designed to support professionals working in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconciliation. Every year, 16 promising leaders from diverse fields—such as civil society, diplomacy, governance, religion, and social enterprise—are selected to participate in this initiative.

The fellowship responds to the increasing complexity of global conflict, the erosion of multilateral norms, and the emergence of new threats such as disinformation, climate stress, and political fragmentation. In such an environment, the program provides a rare opportunity for peace practitioners to step back from their daily work, reflect strategically, and build deeper leadership skills to navigate these turbulent times.

Fellows benefit from intensive training in leadership and negotiation, a peer learning network, and exposure to global experts. The program features structured time for reflection, an international study trip, and a campus convening at Yale. It is tailored to support leaders at pivotal moments in their careers, providing them with space to grow, reconnect, and strengthen their ability to foster peace across divided communities. Ultimately, the fellowship seeks to enhance local leadership capacity and promote sustainable peace in fragile contexts.